Star Wars Zero Company Review
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC; Bit Reactor. Split priorities between scripted and emergent story moments hamper an otherwise brilliant Star Wars-themed successor to XCOM.
TL;DR
- Zero Company is a Star Wars-themed game inspired by XCOM, featuring class abilities, dice rolls, and permadeath.
- The game's emergent storytelling focuses on camaraderie and alliances between mercenaries.
- Despite the emphasis on permadeath, the game rarely puts squads in significant danger, weakening scripted dramatic moments.
- The combat is vibrant with personality in character movement and sound design, underscored by veteran composer Gordy Haab.
- The Den serves as a customization and upgrade hub, similar to XCOM's command center and Mass Effect's Normandy.
- The overarching plot and the 'Infinite Coil' enemy faction are considered weak and underdeveloped.
- The game's weakest parts are the plot and late-game encounters, but character moments and tactical gameplay remain strong.